The year is 1881. The Mississippi River divides the United States from the Indian nations of the West. The only thing keeping the US from expanding is...moreThe year is 1881. The Mississippi River divides the United States from the Indian nations of the West. The only thing keeping the US from expanding is the magic of powerful Indian medicine men. The America government is desperate to expand its territory (since it's the "destiny" of the US and all), so it sends Thomas Edison out West to the town of Tombstone, Arizona, to discover a scientific answer to the Indians' magic. When he arrives, he brings some of his other inventions to the town: horseless carriages, electric streetlights, and *ahem* robotic prostitutes. Meanwhile, Wyatt Earp and his brothers are hired to protect the genius. Problem is, Edison and Earp have enemies who make the Indian threat seem tame--the Clayton gang. When they find themselves in over their heads, Earp's old friends Doc Holliday and Bat Masterson ride into help. Though you'd think they'd get some good-karma by offering their assistance, Bat is turned into--what else--a bat and Doc is stalked by a zombie gunslinger. The gang will have to do some quick thinking--and shooting--to get out of this one.
I enjoyed every bit of this fast-paced story. Usually I want some more character development than what this one has, but because it's so action-oriented I was okay with a little less info in that department. I loved all the funky steampunkness and the wacky dialogue. The book kept me guessing about what was going to happen next and made me laugh as well. Fun, fun, fun!(less)
I can't get enough of the Infernal Devices series! I love the world Clare has created, with the magic and funky steampunk elements. The characters are...moreI can't get enough of the Infernal Devices series! I love the world Clare has created, with the magic and funky steampunk elements. The characters are probably what really has me hooked, though. The bad ones are so easy to hate, the good guys are so lovable, and there are plenty who fall somewhere in the middle, which I like because that's how real life is. I'm not so thrilled about the Will-Tessa-Jem love triangle, though. I am Team Will all the way, especially after reading this second book and learning some pretty important things about his background that explain some of the less-than-wonderful aspects of his personality. I adore Jem too, of course, but I just think Will and Tessa belong together. The fact that I care so much says a lot, as I usually don't really get so into the romantic aspects of books. I don't know how I'm going to wait until November for the third title in the series. (less)
I haven't read any of the Mortal Instruments series, which this book is a prequel to, but I will have to now because I loved Clockwork Angel! The acti...moreI haven't read any of the Mortal Instruments series, which this book is a prequel to, but I will have to now because I loved Clockwork Angel! The action grabbed me from the first page, and the pacing is just right: it moves quickly, but there's enough time for characterization as well. I really cared about the characters, even some of the minor ones. I like that the vampires and other monsters are scary in this book, not all hot and sexy like in many of the other popular teen books that are out right now. Clare creates a really interesting world that I am looking forward to reading more about in the rest of the Infernal Devices series, as well as Mortal Instruments.(less)
I loved this book from beginning to end. The action is pretty much nonstop and well-paced. The book is too short for much character development, but I...moreI loved this book from beginning to end. The action is pretty much nonstop and well-paced. The book is too short for much character development, but I liked the main characters and started rooting for them right away. I enjoyed the way that the early chapters alternate between Maria and Hainey's stories and then they come together in the late middle. The blend of real history (Pinkerton Detective Agency did--and still does--exist, and Belle Boyd was an actual Confederate spy) and made-up technology is super-fun. I found the ending as satisfying as the rest of the story. A great quick read for steampunk fans!(less)
I loved every minute of this steampunk adventure and the funky twist it puts on the Gold Rush period of American history. Briar and Zeke are both char...moreI loved every minute of this steampunk adventure and the funky twist it puts on the Gold Rush period of American history. Briar and Zeke are both characters who are easy to relate to, and I was pulling for them the whole way. I really loved some of the secondary characters, too, particularly Lucy and Angeline. Both of them, as well as Briar, are strong, independent females and I like seeing that in books that take place during the Civil War era. My only complaints are that part of the end doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the story (that's all I'll say to avoid spoilers), and some of the dialogue didn't ring true to me (I doubt that anyone said, "Hey man, you're a champ" in the 1860s). Still, I highly recommend this book for fans of either steampunk and zombie fiction.(less)
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